Support Officer Apprentice

Employer description: 
Connected Places Catapult is the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and places.  We provide impartial ‘innovation as a service’ for public bodies, businesses, and infrastructure providers to catalyse step-change improvements in the way people live, work and travel.

Overview: 
We are looking to appoint an Apprentice for a 24-month period to develop their skills and enhance the resilience of the Project Management Team at CPC. 
As a Project Support Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution and management of projects and input of bids. 

Your role will be a mix of providing administrative support to the Project Managers in managing large projects, direct Project Management of small projects, and inputting bids.

You will have an interest in and learning how to manage project finance, schedule and resource projects, manage risks and issues.  

Salary: 
£25,000 per annum.

Program: 
Data Essentials, Level 3

Title / Position: 
Project Support Officer TPM Apprentice

Key Responsibilities:

• Project finances: Manage project budgets which involves tracking project expenditure data for both labour and non-labour costs and present it for review, ensuring compliance with financial processes in alignment with project goals and company guidelines.
• Plan and Schedule Projects: Develop and maintain project schedules, monitor timelines, and proactively identify and mitigate potential delays or conflicts.
• Resource Projects: Coordinate and allocate resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization while aligning with project requirements and constraints.
• Bid Support: Liaise with the TPMs and bid team to upload the bid resource plans into the CRM system in line with the company requirements.
• Timesheet Management: Oversee and facilitate accurate timesheet submissions, ensuring timely reporting and compliance with project and company standards. Cross checking all sources to confirm all reporting is correct.
• Project Management Software: Learn and use project management systems like Dynamics or MS Projects proficiently to organise, track, and report project-related data and progress.
• Administrative Support: Assist project managers and teams in various administrative tasks, technical documentation, and verbal and written communications to facilitate smooth project operations.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process enhancement, propose innovative solutions and technical development whilst contributing to the refinement of project management methodologies.

You may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties to support the Catapult in achieving its strategic outcomes and ensure effective business operations

What kind of person are we looking for?
Must demonstrate an interest in working in Project Management within a fast-changing organisation and ideally some experience of managing or coordinating projects.

Essential knowledge and experience:

• Good communication and organisational skills
• Attention to detail
• Some direct project management experience
• Must be a responsible individual who takes pride in their work, and who is able to work both autonomously and as part of a team
• Be able to demonstrate a pro-active and enthusiastic attitude, and a willingness to learn
• Competent in MS Office required, experience in CRM or project management tools an advantage.

Entry requirements:

• 3 GCSE's (or equivalent) at grades 4+ (A-C) in any subject
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents) at grades 3+ (D or above)
• Prospective apprentices must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level as this apprenticeship in a similar subject

You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.

If you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications. 

For more information, please visit the UK ENIC website. 

Working week: 
9am - 6pm, 4/5 days a week [can vary, will be discussed upon interview] 

Equality:
Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. 

We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. 
We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled. 

Benefits:

• 9 day fortnight for everyone, we have a full company shutdown every other Friday.
• 5 holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro-rata calculations for part-time employees, along with a Christmas shutdown period for additional days off.
• Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future.
• Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro-rata for part-time employees) to support charitable activities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members.
• Cycle to Work Scheme with bike racks and showers available, encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute.
• Cash Health Plan, offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well-being.
• Payroll Giving scheme, allowing regular charitable contributions from pre-tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations.
• Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities.

Future prospects: 
Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship, there is scope to progress within the company. 

Important information: 
Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 30,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we're a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping